Keir Starmer has told Donald Trump that applying tariffs on NATO allies to secure Greenland is wrong, during a phone call on Sunday. The UK prime minister spoke with the US president as part of a series of diplomatic calls with European leaders, including Danish PM Mette Frederiksen, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
A Downing Street summary stated that Starmer reiterated his position on Greenland, emphasising that security in the high north is a priority for all NATO allies. He also said that tariffs on allies pursuing collective security are wrong. The firm stance places Starmer on a potential collision course with Trump, who has threatened 10% tariffs from 1 February on eight European nations, including the UK, rising to 25% if a deal to buy Greenland is not reached.
A joint statement from the affected countries condemned Trump's threats, warning they undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Starmer is expected to use an emergency Downing Street statement on Monday to reiterate the UK's disappointment, aligning fully with European opposition. However, he is not expected to push for retaliatory measures.
All major UK parties have condemned the tariff threats, including Reform UK. The Liberal Democrats are pushing for an emergency Commons debate and scrapping a pharmaceuticals deal with Washington, while some Labour MPs advocate a more Europe-leaning stance. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the UK's position on Greenland is non-negotiable, and the future of Greenland is for its people and Denmark alone.
Starmer has maintained a good relationship with Trump, which officials hope could help de-escalate the situation. The UK has previously avoided some US tariffs due to this rapport. Nandy emphasised the importance of private talks over public confrontation, but confirmed the UK would never accept US annexation of Greenland.
